SAR’s Academic Freedom Monitoring Project investigates and reports attacks on higher education with the aim of raising awareness, generating advocacy, and increasing protection for scholars, students, and academic communities. Learn more.

Date of Incident: June 09, 2022

Attack Types: Killings, Violence, Disappearances

Institution(s):University of Antioquia

Region & Country:Americas | Colombia

New or Ongoing:New Incident

On June 9, 2022, violent student protests occurred on and around the campus of the University of Antioquia, leaving one student dead, several more injured, and causing the rector to evacuate campus and suspend campus activity.

Student and activist groups were reportedly commemorating the Day of the Fallen Student, a day honoring students who have died in the course of fighting for their rights. According to reports, protesters violently attacked security forces in and around the University of Antioquia campus using homemade explosive devices. One student reportedly died when a device she was preparing detonated. Three others were injured.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violence in the course of student protests. While students have the right to free expression and assembly, such actions must be taken responsibly and nonviolently. Violence in the course of activism undermines academic freedom and university autonomy, and makes campuses less safe.

Sources:
https://www.publimetro.co/noticias/2022/06/10/fuertes-disturbios-se-reportan-en-la-universidad-de-antioquia/
https://www.semana.com/nacion/medellin/articulo/vandalismo-en-medellin-un-lesionado-capturas-y-vehiculos-inmovilizados/202246/
https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/otras-ciudades/que-es-el-dia-del-estudiante-caido-por-el-que-protestaron-universitarios-679170
https://www.elcolombiano.com/antioquia/medellin/universidad-de-antioquia-se-pronuncia-sobre-caso-de-la-joven-fallecida-por-manipular-explosivos-OD17720790